Lan Yu

Lan Yu is a captivating Chinese drama, written and directed by Stanley Kwan, based on the internet novel "Beijing Story" written by an anonymous author. This film, made in 2001, features a memorable performance by Ye Liu and Jun Hu, with a good supporting role by He Du.

Set against the backdrop of China’s socio-political transformation, it paints a strikingly intimate portrait of a relationship that defies categorization, in a society that rejects its unstated existence.

The film starts in Beijing, the early 1980s, where we're introduced to the protagonist, Lan Yu (Ye Liu), a naive young man from the Northern provinces who's in the city to study architecture. Lan Yu submerges himself in his studies, embodying the ethos of simplicity and innocence. The perfect foil to his character is introduced in the form of Chen Handong (Jun Hu), an astute, Under-40 entrepreneur with deep pockets, sharp wits, and a lavish lifestyle fueled by the bustling capitalist wave of the 90s.

Their paths cross when Lan Yu stumbles into an orientation of sorts for money boys, something he decided to explore due to financial reasons. Chen Handong takes a liking to this shy boy, and what follows is a passionate, clandestine affair marked by its intensity and Handong's reluctance to admit their relationship.

The film oscillates between Chen Handong's indulgence in materialistic charades and Lan Yu's simple, profound affection. Intermingled with the complexities of their relationship, the film offers a critique of capitalism and the price paid for recklessly pursuing it. For Lan Yu, love should be as simple and as devoted as he is; for Chen Handong, a man not unknown to decadence, love isn't about exclusivity, it's about generosity in providing material comforts.

Alongside the central love story, the film skillfully incorporates significant historical events, like Tiananmen Square protests, which add more depth and layers to the characters, making their reactions and actions more believable and endearing.

Over the years, their on-again, off-again relationship is tested by Chen's incessant denial and unwillingness to commit, suitors who vie for Lan Yu’s attention, escalating political tensions, and the realities of living in a society where their love is considered forbidden. Although they separate numerous times due to these unfortunate circumstances, a deep and unspoken connection seems to always draw them back to each other.

Stanley Kwan deftly depicts repression under the lingering shadows of conformity, power dynamics in love affairs, and the transformation in relationships through changing times and dynamics. The film persistently examines the texture and depth of male love, something usually skimmed over in Queer-cinema, through its intimate portrayal and sensual storytelling. Dialogues are delicately woven, evoking a sense of unmasked vulnerability and depth required in understanding and empathizing with characters.

Ye Liu's portrayal of Lan Yu captures the essence of a self-assured yet tender lover in its sincerity and embodies fragility through emotional highs and lows. Handsome and world-weary Jun Hu, in his portrayal of playboy businessman Chen Handong, gives a profound performance, making his character both lovable and frustrating at the same time. He Du, in his strong supporting role, adds the right blend of drama and personality to the narrative.

Lan Yu outlines a heart-wrenching journey marked by passion, denial, and sacrifice. Its honest depiction of a same-sex relationship, seen through the prism of socio-political change, makes it a gem in Asian queer cinema. Stanley Kwan masterfully showcases the struggle for acceptance, the plea for understanding, and the quest for uninhibited love through this exquisite film called Lan Yu, making it a poignant and must-watch piece of cinema.